Board members and trustees of the Deering Estate Foundation, along with representatives from The Knight Foundation, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and Palmetto Bay’s mayor walked the red carpet at the VIP reception and ribbon cutting for the opening of the estate’s new hybrid theater space.

Following cocktails the ribbon was cut and Foundation president Dave Marley invited everyone inside the new theater.

Comfortably seated, the guests heard Deering Estate director Bill Irvine describe the wonderful odyssey of the space as it evolved, listed the improvements, and explained how this work truly immortalizes Charles Deering’s legacy of creating a cultural haven to support emerging and accomplished artists of his time.

Adriana Perez, project administrator for the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, said she felt very proud and emotional not only as a member of the Palmetto Bay community but also in her capacity at the county, of how the estate’s programs and this new theater space puts Miami on the cultural map.

Following the speeches the venue was opened to the community where guests enjoyed a sold-out performance of the second annual One-Minute Play Festival curated by Dominic D’Andrea.

Jose Elosegui and Sean Morin appear in a scene from First Day of the Internet directed by Sheri L. Flanders

“This is a grand occasion indeed!” said Mary Pettit, executive director of the Deering Estate Foundation. “We can’t thank the Knight Foundation, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Suzuyo and John Fox enough for investing in this project.

“This new space will serve as an incubator for the innovative works of performers and writers alike while offering a variety of performances throughout the year that the whole community can enjoy,” she added. “We couldn’t be more excited.”

Located along the edge of Biscayne Bay, the 444-acre Deering Estate at Cutler is an environmental, archeological and historical preserve. The Estate is part of the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, which manages the Estate on behalf of the State of Florida. For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, visit www.deeringestate.org.